 | Deity |  |
From earth's low prospects and deceitful aims,
From wealth's allurements, and ambition's dreams,
The lover's raptures, and the hero's views,
All the false joys mistaken man pursues,
The schemes of science, the delights of wine,
Or the more pleasing follies of the Nine!
Recall, fond Bard, thy long-inchanted sight,
Deluded with the visionary light!
A nobler theme demands thy sacred song,
A theme beyond or man's or angel's tongue!
From wealth's allurements, and ambition's dreams,
The lover's raptures, and the hero's views,
All the false joys mistaken man pursues,
The schemes of science, the delights of wine,
Or the more pleasing follies of the Nine!
Recall, fond Bard, thy long-inchanted sight,
Deluded with the visionary light!
2
A theme beyond or man's or angel's tongue!
But oh alas! unhallow'd and profane,
How shalt thou dare to raise the heav'nly strain?
Do thou, who from the altar's living fire
Isaiah's tuneful lips did once inspire,
Come to my aid, celestial Wisdom, come:
From my dark mind dispel the doubtful gloom:
My passions still, my purer breast inflame,
To sing that GOD from whom existence came;
Till heav'n and nature in the consort join,
And own the Author of their birth divine.
How shalt thou dare to raise the heav'nly strain?
Do thou, who from the altar's living fire
Isaiah's tuneful lips did once inspire,
Come to my aid, celestial Wisdom, come:
From my dark mind dispel the doubtful gloom:
My passions still, my purer breast inflame,
To sing that GOD from whom existence came;
Till heav'n and nature in the consort join,
And own the Author of their birth divine.
| Deity | |